Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Commencement? 
Commencement is the term used to encompass ALL of the events surrounding the actual graduation ceremony.  At Queens, this includes the ASN, Hayworth Undergraduate, Graduate, and College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate ceremonies as well as the Baccalaureate Service.  Detailed schedules of events, including rehearsals, are available on this site — see "2007 Schedules of Events" in the blue menus to the left.

What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is the faith-based service that is a part of the Commencement activities.  It is held prior to graduation, and the intention is to impart a message of service and thankfulness as our graduates leave our campus. The service is led by our University Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Diane Mowrey.

Do family and friends need tickets?
No tickets are needed for the ceremonies on Thursday or Friday in Belk Chapel or Dana Auditorium.  In the event that the weather is good on Saturday, no tickets are needed for the CAS Undergraduate ceremony either.  HOWEVER, in the event of inclement weather, possibly 3-rain tickets will be given out AT REHEARSAL for the undergraduate ceremony that will be moved to Dana in the event of poor weather.

The number of rain tickets is based on the number of graduates who will be participating in the ceremony, and the exact number of tickets will not be known until the week of Commencement. There will be overflow seating with a closed circuit monitor that will available for those who do not have rain tickets. 

We know this is a sensitive subject, but out of fairness to all graduates, we do have to limit the number of tickets in poor weather so that everyone has the opportunity to have family or friends see them graduate.

Will I actually receive my diploma during the commencement ceremony?
Yes.  If all graduation requirements have been met successfully.

Will academic honors be noted on my diploma?
Yes.

Are my Major and Concentration/Minor listed on my diploma?
No.  Only your degree is listed (i.e, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, etc.). Your major will be listed on your transcript.

How will my name appear on the diploma?
You indicated a preference on your Application For Graduation form.  Otherwise, your name will appear as the University has it in the system.

How and when will I receive my diploma if I do not attend the ceremony?
You indicated a preference on your Application For Graduation form whether to pick up your diploma the week following the ceremony or to have it mailed to you at an address listed on the form.  If you did not attend the ceremony and no preference was listed, your diploma will be mailed to the address the University has on file for you.

Where do we park?
The entire campus is opened for parking for Commencement.  If you have special needs, we ask that a member of your party contact Campus Police at 704 337-2306. 

Is there seating for guests with special needs?
Yes.  There is reserved seating at both ceremonies for guests with special needs.  If you would like to reserve a seat in this section, please contact, in writing, the office of Campus Police, 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274.  Seating is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why do we have rehearsals?
So that you can get a feel for the stage, and what walking across to receive your diploma will feel like before it actually occurs.  Also, so we can accurately gauge how many graduates will be attending the ceremonies.

Can children come to the services?
Yes, children are welcome to come to any and all of the ceremonies.

Can I take my own photographs and video?
Yes, but please be respectful of all of the other family and friends who will also be wanting to take pictures.  NO PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED IN THE CENTER AISLES FOR EITHER CEREMONY for safety reasons.

Will class photos be taken?
Yes, consult the schedule of events for your time.

When can I pick up my cap and gown?
Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up in the Queens Student Store starting on April 23, up until the day of the ceremony.  NOTE:  They come out of the package rather wrinkled, but don’t try to iron -- you may burn a hole in the gown.  The best bet is to hang it in the bathroom, turn on the shower and let the steam take care of the wrinkles.

Will there be a year on my tassel?
No.  That is a tradition typically reserved for High School graduations.

What should I wear?
Dress fitting the occasion is expected.  No large earrings, decorated caps, or other “accessories” are accepted.   You can be pulled out of line if you aren’t dressed appropriately.  

Will the Dining Hall be open the day of Graduation?
No.

Will the bookstore be open the day of Graduation?
Yes.

How long does the service last?
The ASN, Hayworth Undergraduate, and the Graduate ceremony should last roughly an hour. The CAS Undergraduate ceremony is closer to 2 hours.

Who are the guest speakers?

Baccalaureate Speaker:  Reverend Dr. H. Steven Shoemaker, Senior Minister, Myers Park Baptist     

Hayworth Ceremony:      Mr. Carl Armato, President and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare

Graduate Ceremony:      Mr. Jim Rogers, President and CEO, Duke Energy

CAS Ceremony:     Mr. Alberto Ibargüen, President and CEO, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Other notes:
We ask that you turn off all cell phones and pagers before the ceremony, and that you reserve applause until all graduates are recognized.